The one leading the way was Liu Buli, and with Shen Muzhi and You Siqi being hindrances, Liu Buli had already figured out what to do next. All they could do was comply.
Fortunately, this time, the heavens seemed to have finally remembered the protagonist, Shen Muzhi. Following the previously agreed-upon path, the group quickened their pace. Not long after, Shen Muzhi actively jumped down from You Siqi's embrace. With a flash, the palm-sized kitten transformed into a creature as large as an adult lion.
Black short fur, nine long tails trailing behind, sharp fangs and claws, and those cold beastly eyes. Compared to a cat, his current appearance was more akin to a cheetah poised to strike.
This caused not only You Siqi but even Liu Buli, who had promised himself he wouldn't look at cats after getting a dog, to involuntarily brighten his eyes upon seeing him like this.
This truly couldn't be blamed on him.
It was all the fault of his innate love for cats. He really had no intention of shifting his affections!
Liu Buli shouted inwardly, then painstakingly averted his gaze. Heaven knew how much effort he had expended just to perform this simple action.
He glanced back at Lu Wuming beside him, wanting the other to feel how hard he was trying to show his affection.
But clearly, the momentary astonishment and excitement had all fallen into Lu Wuming's eyes. Even now, as he turned to look at the other, the annoyance and dissatisfaction in Lu Wuming's eyes showed no signs of disappearing. He even let out an angry snort, staring in Shen Muzhi's direction, and said coldly, "Wasn't it good enough being your little kitten? Why did you suddenly turn into this? Do you think a bigger target is easier to kill?"
Of course, that wasn't the intention.
However, Shen Muzhi could tell that if he were to rank those who wanted him dead in this desolate land, Lu Wuming would definitely be among the top, even before the ravenous monsters.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Shen Muzhi explained, "Brother Lu, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean anything else. I just feel my spiritual energy has recovered a bit. Although I can't return to human form, maintaining the appearance of a divine beast will also help with our current plan."
After all, the spirit cat was a divine beast of utmost purity and sanctity, requiring no excessive cultivation techniques. As long as he maintained his current form, most of the evil energy and malevolent thoughts that approached him would be purified and dispelled by his very existence.
Lu Wuming had witnessed this situation in the cave before. While he didn't care about these energies, it didn't mean You Siqi and Liu Buli could also ignore them. Even though Lu Wuming was indifferent to You Siqi's fate, if it could make his master more comfortable, then Shen Muzhi's transformation into a big cat could be somewhat forgiven.
Quickly mulling these thoughts over, Lu Wuming glanced at Liu Buli beside him.
Confirming that the other's gaze was still fixed on him, the last bit of resentment in his heart finally dissipated.
However, the fact that protecting Liu Buli wasn't something he had done, but rather someone else had, dealt a blow to Lu Wuming.
So, he pouted and simply stopped engaging in any further conversation. Pointing ahead, he casually said, "I'll clear the path. Master, you can stay with them and walk slowly. His aura can indeed make you feel more comfortable, so it's fine if you stay close to him. But don't stare at him constantly, or I might truly lose control."
As soon as he finished speaking, as if unable to bear the sight of Liu Buli being close to another man, Lu Wuming fled as quickly as possible, leaving the spot.
Shen Muzhi allowed You Siqi to ride on him. Liu Buli, obediently, didn't chase after Lu Wuming. He simply walked beside Shen Muzhi, the waves of refreshing and pleasant spiritual energy bathing him, making Liu Buli once again clearly realize that Shen Muzhi, this protagonist, was truly not famous for nothing.
At least, judging by the spiritual energy emanating from him, which seemed capable of purifying everything, he was certainly worthy of the title of protagonist. As for Lu Wuming, who was slaughtering monsters and scattering ghostly energy ahead…
Liu Buli sighed inwardly.
They were indeed the great villains.
With Lu Wuming's jealousy at its peak, his speed in slaying monsters also increased considerably compared to before. Coupled with Shen Muzhi, a massive purifier who also functioned as a light source, the journey ahead, despite encountering stronger monsters than before, felt considerably easier for Liu Buli.
He really didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.
However, Liu Buli at least knew that after this battle ended and they returned to the sect with the materials, before he had to forge himself in the iron furnace, the first thing he needed to do was to comfort his foolish disciple, who was overcome with jealousy and helplessness.
Thinking of the other's red eyes and furious expression, Liu Buli found him incredibly endearing for a moment. He had always known that Lu Wuming's jealousy was much greater than that of ordinary people. But for him, jealousy proved care, and intense jealousy could also represent a more profound level of care.
To have his lover's feelings for him be so intense, Liu Buli considered it a good thing. Therefore, he had never considered asking Lu Wuming to change. He was perfectly content with him remaining as he was.
Lost in these various thoughts, Liu Buli looked up again at Lu Wuming, who was still fighting monsters in the distance. No matter how much time had passed, no matter what he was doing, whenever he looked at him like this, his heart couldn't help but beat faster.
It was as if his love for the other increased a little every moment.
Having such emotions, he was truly beyond saving…
As Liu Buli thought this, as if by telepathy, Lu Wuming, who had just finished dealing with the monsters in the distance, suddenly turned and looked in his direction.
Their eyes met, and Lu Wuming immediately flashed him a brilliant smile. Then, pointing towards the darkness ahead, he called out loudly, "Master, You Siqi was right. There are indeed many weeds and dead trees ahead. I have a lot of them near me too, but I can't distinguish which ones are the materials you need. Come quickly and take a look!"